Obama's Chicago Report Card and Defining Change

These were emailed to me recently and I thought I would share them. I think they give a great perspective to this election.

OBAMA'S CHICAGO - report card
Body count. In the last six months 292 killed (murdered) in Chicago, 221 killed in Iraq.

Sens. Barack Obama & Dick Durbin, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., Gov. Rod Blogojevich, House leader Mike Madigan, Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan, Mayor Richard Daley.....our leadership in Illinois.....all Democrats. Thank you for the combat zone in Chicago. Of course they're all blaming each other. They can't blame Republicans, there aren't any!

State pension fund $44 Billion in debt, worst in country. Cook County (Chicago) sales tax 10.5% highest in country. (Look 'em up if you want). Chicago school system one of the worst in country. This is the political culture that Obama comes from in Illinois.

Ah, defining change
CHANGE
In the late 1950's most Cubans thought Cuba needed a change, and they were right. So when a young leader came along promising Change, every Cuban was at least receptive. When the young leader spoke eloquentlyand passionately and denounced the old system, the press fell in love with him... They never questioned who his friends were or what he really believed in.He said he would help the farmers and the poor and bring free medical care and education to all, and everyone followed. He said he wouldbring justice and equality to all, and everyone said 'Praise the Lord!'The young leader said, 'I will be for change and I'll bring youchange,' everyone yelled, 'Viva Fidel!' But by the time the executioner's guns went silent, the people's guns had been taken away. By the timeeveryone was equal, they were equally poor, hungry, and oppressed. By the time everyone received their free education it was worth nothing . By thetime the press noticed, it was too late, because they were now working for him. By the time the change was finally implemented Cuba had beenknocked down a couple of notches to Third-World status. By the time the change was over, more than a million people had taken to boats, rafts, andinner tubes fleeing to Florida. Luckily, we in America would never fall for a young leader who promises change without asking, WHAT change? Or have we fallen for smoothtaking jive?

Fineman Fingers Biden for Obama's Number Two

The long wait to find out who Barack Obama will have as his running mate this fall may be over. Howard Fineman wrote today that the likely pick will be Senator Joe Biden. This after Fineman had discussed the issue with two individuals of Obama's list of potential VP's. Biden, a Senator from Delaware, is a longtime beltway insider who chairs the Foreign Relations Committee. That experience, lacking from Obama's resume, may be the reason for such a choice.
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Real Clear Politics Election 2008

Find more at www.realclearpolitics.com

Democrat delegate count

Obama

Total: 1983

Super: 324

Pledged: 1659

Clinton

Total: 1782

Super: 283

Pledged: 1499

Margin: Obama +201

Obama Vs. McCain-Obama +1.8

Clinton Vs. McCain-Clinton +2.0

RCP Average

No Bullets Over Bosnia

Like wife like husband. The former first lady came under fire, pun unintentional, as she tried to explain her recent remembering of her trip to Bosnia back in the 90’s. Hillary’s remembering, or misremembering, brought new criticism to this candidate for President. She and her surrogates tried to put out the fires and create an air of innocence about Senator Clinton’s remarks. The remarks were simply a bad choice of words; the problem is that she made similar remarks more than once. When considering her comments one must suspend belief, to borrow a phrase from Hillary, to think that she did not know what she was saying. The problem comes in deciphering whether she had simply come to believe the fantastical rendering of the story. After all we have a case history ripe with similar examples by Hillary’s husband, our former President. We can think of those words uttered by George Costanza, “It is not a lie if you believe it.” It is safe to assume that anything coming from a Clinton’s mouth is believed at least by them.

Fast forward a few weeks later and what has been the result? Hillary was able to win in Pennsylvania and more recently in Indiana and West Virginia. Obama has won the North Carolina primary. Both look to split the last remaining primaries which finish up on June 3rd. Hillary’s route to the nomination is realistically non-existent but she is unwilling to give up the fight. Tides have turned for the inevitable candidate who months ago looked like a sure bet. She has been bested by the young upstart who has survived missteps and guilt by associations. The latter involving Obama’s relationship with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack’s pastor for over twenty years, and William Ayers, a radical Weather Underground member. Now Barack Obama enjoys 1st place in all statistical categories, popular vote, pledged and superdelegates.

The turn of events has been quite amazing to watch. As someone very interested in politics, I have found it fascinating to watch the Democrat’s race. You have on one hand a young, inexperienced legislator who has been on a quick ascension course to the point in which Barack Obama finds himself, a general election away from being President. This has come with his supplanting of Hillary Clinton, part of the dynamic political power couple that has dominated Democrat politics since the early 90’s. This comes after the realization that Hillary Clinton will not win her party’s nomination. No matter how much her and her supporters wish to make it not so, her chances appear as plausible as the camel finally making its way through the eye of the needle. I will say I side with those wishing for Senator Clinton to fight on and keep the contest going. My motives being ulterior, I hope to see the chaos that radio show host Rush Limbaugh has set in motion.

Part of these feelings comes from my high disregard for what Democrats have come to stand for. The other in the realization is that my Republican party is in real trouble this fall. We face a fracture of our own party as conservatives have not fully embraced John McCain. This support will be needed as the tides appear to be turning, one would only have to see the results of the recent special elections to reach that conclusion. Unity might come grudgingly or not at all as McCain and those around him seem to enjoy the occasional poke in the conservative eye. Some might come to the decision to stay home and avoid this election which will have huge ramifications. These center around a President Barack Obama with an increased majority and control of Congress.

Apart from the main narrative of this election, that being Barack Obama winning the nomination, I see another. We may finally have seen the last of the Clintons. I know that seems hard to believe as they are creatures drawn to Washington D.C. and power like moths to a flame unable to remove themselves from its shiny glow. I see it as unlikely that Obama would call on Senator Clinton to become his running mate. The reason being you get all the negatives for little in return. Clinton’s only hope is an Obama loss in November so she can regroup for 2012. But for now Hillary Clinton goes on to fight another day in a fruitless endeavor. Hillary may have many regrets after reflecting on this campaign. Beginning with Super Tuesday and her manipulation of the facts of her rendezvous in Bosnia, Hillary’s campaign has had trouble contending with their inevitable billing that preceded the campaign season. Comparing Bosnia with her campaign, Hillary encountered no bullets that day and she now finds herself with an empty chamber shooting blanks.

Obama and McCain Make it Clean Sweep

Potomac primary proved positive for Barack Obama and John McCain. Barack Obama continued his sweep last night winning all three Democrat contests in, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Likewise, John McCain run all three contest on the Republican side holding off Mike Huckabee. The night was particularly good for Barack Obama as he continues his winning streak over Hillary Clinton. The count for him is now 21 states to her 10. He is expected to be strong in the next round of contests in Wisconsin and Hawaii. Clinton has all but officially established Texas and Ohio as her firewall against Obama's momentum.

Delegate Count

Democrats
Obama
Pledged Delegates-1004
Total Delegates-1144

Clinton
Pledged Delegates-925
Total Delegates-1138

Republicans
John McCain-724
Mike Huckabee-234

Courtesy of www.realclearpolitics.com

Clean Sweep For Obama

Barack Obama had a good weekend. Obama won every contest over the weekend including, Washington, Nebraska, Louisiana, Maine, and the Virgin Islands. Obama will try to take his momentum into today's contests. Today is the Potomac showdown, the crab-cake contests, or whatever label you want to put on Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Hillary Clinton has suffered through a string of embarassing losses. She has announced that she has made a change at the top of her campaign. Patti Solis Doyle, now the former campaign manager, will be replaced by Maggie Williams, a former aide to Clinton when she was first lady. Despite Obama's run of victories the delegate count remains close. The thought or worry is that the superdelegates will play an unexpected role in choosing a nominee. What is known is that while the Republicans have an almost declared nominee, the Democrats continue to battle it out. The Republicans will need all the time they have to coalesce around John McCain.

Super Tuesday Breakdown

Results as they are known
Republicans
McCain wins-Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Oklahoma, Arizona, Missouri, California
Romney wins-Massachusetts, Utah, North Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Colorado, Alaska
Huckabee wins-Alabama, West Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, Georgia

Democrats
Clinton wins-Oklahoma, Tennesee, Arkansas, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, California
Obama wins-Illinois, Georgia, Delaware, Alabama, Kansas, Utah, North Dakota, Connecticut, Minnesota, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Alaska

Projections from Fox News and http://www.foxnews.com/
Refresh page to get latest results

Obama Wins Georgia

Barack Obama has won the Georgia Democrat Primary. This is an early victory for Obama is his quest to be victorious on Super Tuesday. His win in the peach state might be a harbinger of great things to come for the Illinois senator.

According to Rasmussen McCain Tops Obama and Clinton

The latest Rasmussen Report compares John McCain head to head with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. John McCain comes out on top against the Democrat duo. The numbers are this, McCain leads Clinton 48% to 40% and Senator Obama 47% to 41%. The data shows an interesting and emerging trend by McCain on an upward surge, no pun intended. This has been in correlation with each of his primary wins. McCain leads the other two in most demographic areas. This would seem to bode well for Republicans hoping to maintain control over the White House. The problem is that John McCain has had his critics mainly from the conservative base who questions his conservative credentials. Some might argue that simply winning is enough no matter who the candidate is on the ballot. McCain is gaining momentum and Mitt Romney is trying to stem McCain's surging tide toward the nomination. Conservatives may have to chose between voting for McCain, not voting or turning to a third party. Either of the last two options would almost certainly lead to a Democrat win.
Find out more at www.rasmussenreports.com

Delegate Count

Democrats

Delegate Total

Hillary Clinton-232 (48 Pledged, 184 Superdelegates)

Barack Obama-158 (63 Pledged, 95 Superdelegates)

John Edwards-62 (26 Pledged, 36 Superdelegates)

Mike Gravel-0

Note: John Edwards has announced he will be dropping out of the race

2,025 delegates needed to win

Republicans

Delegate Total

John McCain-97 (95 Pledged, 2 Unpledged)

Mitt Romney-74 (67 Pledged, 7 Unpledged)

Mike Huckabee-29 (26 Pledged, 3 Unpledged)

Ron Paul-6 (6 Pledged)

Rudy Giuliani-2 (1 Pledged, 1 Unpledged)

Note: Rudy Giuliani has announced he will be dropping out of the race

1,191 delegates needed to win

Courtesy of http://www.cnn.com/

Obama Wins Endorsement of Kennedys

Barack Obama picked up two more endorsements, they happen to come from the same family. It was recently announced that Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the former President will endorse Senator Obama. She cites the ability to finally support a candidate like her father for the reason behind the endorsement. We have also learned that Senator Ted Kennedy will throw his support to Obama and is expected to make a statement on Monday.

Why Are Senators Clinton, Obama and McCain Not Concerned About the Security of Our Country?

By Rusty Ford

You would think that two Democrats and one Republican Senator who are running for president would be on different sides of the issue of providing amnesty to illegal aliens. Especially since all votes in the Senate this year on this issue have had most of the Republicans on one side of the issue and most of the Democrats on the other. All three of these candidates voted consistently in support of amnesty to illegal aliens.

It is not the amnesty issue that makes me wonder why these three are not concerned for the security of our country but rather how far they are willing to take the issue. All three voted for YES on the comprehensive immigration reform bill in June 2007. This bill would have provided amnesty to all illegal aliens in the country. They also voted against an amendment to this bill that would have allowed amnesty to most illegal aliens but would have barred those who had committed major crimes while living in our country illegally. I just do not understand how anyone can think that a politician cares about the safety and security of the people they represent when they are willing to bless these criminals, who are here illegally, amnesty and a path to citizenship.

All three voted against the Cornyn Amendment (SA 1184) to S.1385. S 1385 was an amendment to the comprehensive immigration reform bill that would have given amnesty to illegal aliens. The Cornyn Amendment would have barred illegal aliens who committed the following crimes from receiving amnesty.

1. absconders (i.e., aliens already ordered deported)
2. aliens deemed inadmissible or deportable as security risks(e.g., terrorists)
3. aliens who fail to register as sex offenders
4. aliens convicted of certain firearms offenses
5. aliens convicted of domestic violence, stalking, crimes against children, or violation of protection orders
6. alien gang members
7. aliens convicted of at least three DUIs.

I guess these three believe it is in the best interest of the security of our country and the safety of its citizens to give amnesty to people who come into this county illegally and commit major crimes. None of these candidates are mentioning this issue or their votes on this amendment on the campaign trail so I will proclaim it loud and clear for them so that there is not a mistake of where they stand.

We, being John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama believe it is in the best interest of our national security and the safety of the citizens of this country to give amnesty to illegal aliens who have been deemed for whatever reason to be security risks to our country.

We, being John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama believe it is in the best interest of our national security and the saftey of the citizens of this country to give amnesty to illegal aliens who have been convicted of sexual crimes and refuse to register as sex offenders.

We, being John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama believe it is in the best interest of our national security and the safety of the citizens of this country to give amnesty peoplewho are in this country illegally and who illegally carry weapons with them.

We, being John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama believe it is in the best interest of our national security and the safety of the citizens of this country to give amnesty to illegal aliens who commit crimes against children and who abuse their families.

We, being John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama believe it is in the best interest of our national security and the safety of the citizens of this country to give amnesty to illegal aliens who are members of alien gangs. We do not think there is enough of a gang problem here in our country and are committed to seeing that gangs from other countries start up operations here.

And last but not least, we, being John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama believe it is in the best interest of our national security and the safety of the citizens of this country to give amnesty to illegal aliens who have been arrested three times for driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

I have searched for any indication given by any of these candidates as to why they voted this way and I have not be enable to find any place where they explained why they voted against the security of our country and the safety of its citizens. I assume that this information is not out there because there simply is not justification for such a vote. They have played their hand and we now see how little they care for America’s safety. I know each of these candidates have good points and stand behind positions that many Americans agree with. But how cans any right-minded citizen who has been informed about their position on this issue, in good conscience vote for them.

About the Author: Rusty Ford Read more of Rusty's articles here http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/96187/rusty_ford.html
Source: http://www.isnare.com/
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=217181&ca=Politics

Dennis Kucinich Ends Bid For President

While not a notable announcement, Dennis Kucinich has decided to drop out of the race for President. A marginal play at best, Kucinich's most memorable campaign moment was his admission that he believed in UFO's during one of the Democrat debates. He will return to Congress and continue his campaign to turn America left.

Real Clear Politics State Polls

Democrats
South Carolina-Jan. 26th
RCP Average
Poll range 1/14-1/22
Hillary Clinton-42.6
Barack Obama-30.0
John Edwards-14.6
Obama +12.6

Florida-Jan. 29th
RCP Average
Poll range 1/11-1/22
Hillary Clinton-47.0
Barack Obama-29.4
John Edwards-11.4
Clinton +17.6

Republicans
Florida-Jan. 29th
RCP Average
Poll range 1/20-1/22
John McCain-22.6
Mitt Romney-22.2
Rudy Giuliani-19.0
Mike Huckabee-14.4
Ron Paul-5.4
Fred Thompson-7.3
McCain +0.4

Courtesy of http://www.realclearpolitics.com/

Politics Ain't Beanbag

When Finley Peter Dunne coined that phrase he must have known that individuals like the Clintons would inhabit the world of politics one day. They are perhaps the best practitioners of the no holds barred, no limit politics. This dynamic duo has cultivated an impressive political machine that has left many behind in its destructive path. This battle scarred couple seem to have set their sights on Barack Obama for their next target. After all this is Hillary's turn to be President and Bill's chance for a third term.

It is interesting how this Democrat party family feud has evolved. It appeared as if Hillary would sail through the Democrat nomination process. She had all the name i.d., money, and organization to do just that. Doing so would allow her to avoid attacks from her own side and she could focus herself on simply fending off the Republicans. But Barack Obama threw a wrench into Hillary's machine. After stagnating in the polls, Obama won Iowa and became viable to many voters looking to see if he would be able to be a true counter to Senator Clinton. Mrs. Clinton has had to adopt new strategies to confront Obama, namely bringing in her attack dog Bill.

The former President has been called upon to fight off Obama and do her dirty work. This tag team approach appears to have been somewhat successful. With each attack by Bill, Hillary has been able to rebound and win a contest. First there was New Hampshire and then Nevada where huffed and puffed about Obama and his union supporters inhabiting casinos during the caucus. The role Bill is playing is usually reserved for V.P. candidates, or wives in John Edwards case. Bill softens him up and Hillary finishes him off in the political ring.

Hillary and Barack continued their tit for tat during Monday night's Democratic debate. The mud was flying on both sides as each candidate tried to out slime the other. John Edwards remained relatively clean and at one point had to remind everyone that he was still there. Each of Senator Obama's and Clinton's policies and former statements were fair game. Accuracy did not seem to be a priority as anything that might stick in the minds of the voters was said. The queen of double talk tried to portray Obama's position on the war in Iraq and changing and nebulous. Meanwhile her own position on the war seems to change with the conditions on the ground.

Both Hillary and Barack tried to tag the other with their previous involvements, Hillary and Wal-Mart and Barack working for what Hillary called a "slum landlord business." It did not take long for corporations to come under attack. The "C" word for liberals constitutes a swear word, even worse is being associated with or working for one. It would seem to me that being anti-business is bad business. Liberals like to think of business as some monolithic force destroying the fabric of America.

I am not sure if the debate produced a clear winner. Maybe it was John Edwards who while ignored managed to stay out of the fray. Unfortunately he is neither a woman or black so he can forget about the nomination. Obama and Clinton may be the losers as both continued their war of words. Another loser may be anarchy as this debate was sans rules. The debate got out of hand at many points as Obama and Clinton could not resist going after each other and looking like lions about to descend on their prey. Wolf Blitzer tried to maintain control and keep Obama and Clinton from devouring each other live on stage. You have to give Obama credit he has held up against the double-headed assault of the Clintons so far. But South Carolina is next and Hillary is sure to have Bill on stand-by ready to pounce.

Syndication Weekly

It's the economy stupid. Those were the sentiments of Bill Clinton the first time he ran for President and the title of Phyllis Schafly's latest column. Politics sometimes comes down to a catchphrase and may get you elected. Bill used the feeling about the economy back in '92 to beat Bush the elder out of a second term. Schafly ask whether the same thing might happen this election cycle. After all we have all been hit over the head with economic talk from talking heads that have been predicting disaster on a daily basis. We even have another Clinton running for office, but no Bush although you would not no it from the Democratic candidates campaign rhetoric. Mantra seems to be what we hear from both sides of the aisle and Schafly ask if it will be nothing more then the same. Both sides seem to have their answers that can be pulled out of their pockets are read off at a moment's notice. The column points out that it has been certain U.S. policies that have created much of our current problems. This would include our dealings with immigration which has been minimal or pathetically inept. In Schafly's mind Free Trade has not lived up to its monikor, and the U.S. worker has payed the price. A debate over Free Trade can take place at another time. I agree that many are looking for those who can restore jobs and are looking at the candidates for answers.
http://www.eagleforum.org/column/2008/jan08/08-01-23.html
Courtesy of www.eagleforum.org

Delegate Count Jan. 19, 2008

Democrats
Hillary Clinton-210
Barack Obama-123
John Edwards-52
Dennis Kucinich-1
Mike Gravel-0
2,025 needed to win
Total includes pledged delegates and superdelegates.

Republicans
Mitt Romney-72
John McCain-38
Mike Huckabee-29
Fred Thompson-8
Ron Paul-6
Rudy Giuliani-2
1,191 needed to win
Total includes pledged and unpledged delegates

Courtesy of www.cnn.com
Election Center 2008

Hillary Wins Nevada

It now appears as if Hillary Clinton will win Nevada beating Barack Obama. News sources are all declaring Senator Clinton as the winner of the Nevada Democrat caucus. She will take this win and try to build on it as the Democrats move to South Carolina.

Race Day

Today is the day as we wait on the results of the South Carolina primary and Nevada caucuses. In a divided race so far no clear cut frontrunners have emerged on either side, especially for the Republicans. So these two contests today might clear the mud a little more and reveal a leader of the pack. It appears as if McCain and Huckabee are fighting it out in South Carolina. As has been stated before many feel this is a must win for both. Another story has been the fall of Giuliani who has fallen in the Palmetto state polls and nationwide. Will his wait for the sunshine state pay off? Nevada will be a race between Obama and Clinton. Obama is trying to slay the political giant and emerge as number one. Clinton lost out when the courts ruled in favor of allowing voting in the casinos. This ruling will appear to help Barack Obama after winning the endorsement of the culinary union. So it will be a battle of the unions and Obama will be singing one tune today, just get them to the casino on time.